Ring-opening reaction of tetrahydrofuran on the penta(organo)[60]fullerenes: synthesis of hydroxybutyl, methacrylate, and norbornene derivatives

Ring-opening reaction of tetrahydrofuran takes place on penta(methyl)- and penta(n-butylphenyl)[60]fullerenes in the presence of chlorotrimethylsilane giving penta(organo)fullerene hydroxybutyl derivatives, C60R5(C4H8OH) (R = Me, nBuC6H4). The hydroxyl groups were further transformed into methacrylate and norbornylcarbonyloxy groups via esterification with the corresponding acid chlorides. The methacrylate derivative, penta(methyl)[60]fullerenylbutyl methacrylates was crystallographically characterized.